Wow, where did the month of January go? Here we are in February and the days are flying by, pay attention you could easily miss something.

Recently we posted an article about the California legislature having concerns about quick lubes and others performing oil drains sooner than recommended by vehicle manufacturers. The quick lube association says, and this is not a quote, that the California legislature is over simplifying and doesn’t understand that these type of businesses are just looking out for your vehicle maintenance.

Quick lubes and others that do oil changes sooner than recommended by the auto manufactures have one goal in mind, to get as many cars in and out as they possibly can and make as much money as they can. Those businesses don't give two hoots about maintenance of a car. This is what the California legislatures are concerned about, that and the environment. Now, if someone wants to bring their vehicle in every week for an oil change, that is entirely up to them, it's a complete waste of time and money, but it's their time and money, they are an adult.

Did you ever ask yourself why the OE manufacturers have extended drains to a minimum of 5K, or 7.5K, some as much as 10K?

Automotive and engine oil manufacturers have evolved over the last forty years, along with everything else in this country. Today’s vehicles may have 20 or more computers to monitor and control a vehicle. Motor oils, petroleum and synthetic, are constantly being upgraded to meet new and improved standards and incorporate the latest technologies. Metallurgy and engine technologies are constantly being improved, smaller cubic inches are producing horse power that couldn't have been realized thirty years ago.

Read your owners manual, select the drain interval that best describes your driving habits, chose a quality brand engine oil, I highly recommend AMSOIL of course, and if someone says you need to do it sooner, question their motivation. I know there are other opinions out there and I would enjoy a discussion about them, drop me a line with your thoughts, Thanks.

When was the last time you saw oil in an all metal can? I remember cardboard cans with metal tops that used to buckle as you tried to insert a number of different types of spouts, or did you just stab them with your favorite screwdriver? AMSOIL introduced 20W/50 in 1978 just six years after the company's founding in 1972. Bottles and plastic, replaced metal cans in the early Eighties. An entire case was found at a garage sale and an ingenious handy man made a tribute trophy out of a couple of them, the rest will go to dedicated AMSOIL Dealers and one in my collection.

Recently I met a long time AMSOIL user at the annual Oak Harbor Car Show this summer. He thought I might be interested in some old AMSOIL cans. Because AMSOIL products had given him such outstanding results in his vehicles over the years, he built a trophy to honor AMSOIL. He related a story of finding a full case of AMSOIL 20W/50 Racing oil at a garage sale, being a fan he immediately purchased them. As the owner of two classic cars, an avid car show participant, and an AMSOIL user since the early days of the company, he wanted to do something to show his appreciation for all the years he used these outstanding products. I think he hit a home run. As a long time AMSOIL Dealer myself, I will display it and pass it down to a future AMSOIL Dealer as a point of pride and inspiration.

Author

With mechanical experience covering almost 45 years, from aircraft and aircraft weapons systems maintenance to the automotive and light truck repair industry as a shop owner, I'll put my lubrication knowledge and experience to the test discussing all things AMSOIL and any related discussion.

About AMSOIL

In 1972 AMSOIL developed the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet American Petroleum Institute service requirements. Currently, the AMSOIL product line includes the finest quality synthetic motor oils, synthetic diesel oils, gear lubes, synthetic greases, industrial lubricants, oil filters, air filters and automotive performance products.